Lush, lyrical and effortlessly sumptuous, this elegant big-screen version of the epic Russian classic is a striking take on the power – good and bad – of love, and brings out the best in Keira Knightley.

At times breathtakingly beautiful, its ­swirling plot and clever staging offers a fresh vision of the Tolstoy classic.

And while even its hefty running time can never hope to encompass all of the book’s stories, it is moody and moving as it tackles Anna’s ­obsessive affair.

Anna is one of the great fictional roles and Knightley is excellent.

Often an easy target for critics – possibly ­because, quite simply, the camera loves her face – she is growing into an elegant and astute actress who isn’t afraid of challenging roles.

Director Joe Wright bravely moves away from the traditional cinematic vision of ­imperial Russia and for much of the film sets the story within a massive theatre, rich with painted backdrops, elevated riggings and mirrored stages.

The film is blessed with a terrific cast. Jude Law is impressive as Anna’s proud husband Karenin; Aaron Taylor-Johnson (all blond hair and twirling moustache) ­is ­suitably dashing as Vronsky, Matthew ­Macfadyen is a ­comedy delight as plump but philandering Oblonsky and Kelly ­Macdonald sweetly dowdy as his loving but frustrated wife.

With its beautiful cinematography and costumes, bold choreography and perfectly judged performances, it’s a real ­success.